For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (Hebrews 5:13, KJV)

In God’s growing family, there are babes or infants. Their presence signifies growth and provides a reason for joy. Nevertheless, these babes in Christ must develop and mature in their faith.

The term “babe” (Greek nepios) denotes a very young child, often still nursing. Hebrews 5:13 employs it metaphorically to characterize an immature Christian. Regrettably, some believers remain babes in Christ for an extended period, with a few never progressing beyond this stage during their Christian journey. It is important to note that, from the Bible’s perspective, spiritual maturity is not necessarily connected to position or ministry.

Hebrews 5:13 emphasizes one attribute of babes: being “unskilled in the Word of righteousness.” Babes lack experience comprehending profound spiritual truths and cannot effectively apply God’s Word.

Consider some Christians who only understand the message of repentance from sin, requiring continuous reminders of sin’s destructiveness. While repentance is vital for spiritual health, it is a foundational teaching for babes. In contrast, mature believers repent immediately when they sin, whereas babes require ongoing teachings to avoid hiding their sins and to practice repentance. Introducing deeper truths about the mysteries of Christ to babes may not resonate, indicating spiritual infancy.

The Bible provides truths for babes (milk) and mature individuals (solid food): “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)

God desires your growth. Seek the sincere milk of the word to develop your faith and eventually partake in solid food.

Meditate

What other characteristic of babes in Christ is presented in 1 Corinthians 3:1?

Apply

Evaluate your spiritual journey. Are you a child, adolescent, or adult in faith? We all begin as newborns, but if one remains a babe after many years, there is cause for concern—endeavor to partake in the solid food of the Word through understanding, faith, and application to obtain spiritual results.

Pray

Ask the Spirit to help you grow to spiritual maturity in any aspect where there is infancy in your life.

Recommended

• Three Key Characteristics of Babes in Christ 
• A Biblical Sign of Emotional Immaturity
• Christlikeness is the goal of spiritual maturity
• How to Grow Spiritually
• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

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